In December 2017, Zenith Energy bought an old asphalt and crude oil terminal located in NW Portland and began importing crude oil by rail from Canada. The oil trains move through neighborhoods in North and Northeast Portland, putting 1 in 4 residents within the blast zone in the event of a catastrophic accident. The oil is unloaded into tanks at the terminal in NW Portland along the Willamette River that are built on fill dirt. In the event of an earthquake, the tanks could erupt causing explosions and threatening much of Portland with toxic smoke, as well as a catastrophic oil spill in the Willamette. Join us on Sunday March 29, 7-8:30 pm, at Havurah for a lively discussion about what has become one of the hottest environmental issues in Portland. The Havurah and MACG Climate Action Teams are co-sponsoring this event where we will hear from experts, activists and representatives from groups that are in the middle of the Zenith controversy. Please RSVP through the Havurah online calendar. For more information contact Andy Beers at andy@andybeers.com.

During these seven weeks of Counting the Omer, the period linking Pesach with Shavuot, our Tuesday meditation will focus on the sefirot, or qualities, associated with each week. Rabbi Benjamin will guide us in reflecting on and practicing with these attributes, as tools for resilience and support in this moment. This meditation will take place online in Zoom Room Bet. For join info, please be in touch with the office at 503-248-4662, ext. 2 or rachel@havurahshalom.org.

Literature offers a perspective on Israel/Palestine that centers the human dimension and reminds us of the vibrancy a of both modern Hebrew and Palestinian Arab culture. We will read four works of fiction whose themes and plots revolve around the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. This class was designed with those who have already taken “Thinking About Israel/Palestine” in mind. But this background is not required, as the literature speaks in its own terms. This class will take place in Zoom Room Dalet.

For all who want a regular prayer practice and for people saying Kaddish. We meet both in person and streaming online in Zoom Room Aleph. All are welcome. Please email info@havurahshalom.org for join info.

In partnership with Temple Emek Shalom in Ashland, with Rabbi Joshua Boettiger of TES and Rabbi Benjamin. Through the Gate of Praise: Love and Fear, Intimacy and Retreat - We often understand praise to mean heaping accolades upon a Divine being. But perhaps praise in the deepest sense is a singing from the heart, whether in grief or joy. We will explore texts ancient and contemporary expressing praise and inviting us into reimagining its relevance in our lives. RSVP for Zoom join info. A password will be emailed to you.

Shavuot, which begins at sunset on May 28, commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai after the Exodus from Egypt. Also originating in an ancient pilgrimage holiday celebrating the grain harvest, today it’s a community observance, with Jews coming together to read the Book of Ruth, eat blintzes, and participate in Tikkun Leil Shavuot, study sessions lasting into the night. Those who attended Havurah’s Shavuot celebration last year will remember the festive spring greenery decorating the sanctuary and the poetry readings and late-night learning we enjoyed together. Please join us via Zoom on Friday the 29th, as we celebrate Shavuot during this extraordinary time, when we need our community more than ever. We’ll begin with a short and sweet Shabbat service at 7:00, led by Rabbi Benjamin. Then stick around for a poetry reading and discussion featuring poems on this year’s congressional theme, Hineinu: we are here. Following the poetry, Rabbi Benjamin and Deborah will lead Leil Shavuot learning beginning at 9:15. This celebration will take place in Zoom Room Aleph. Find the link in the weekly email, Hineinu, or contact the office at rachel@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662.

An in-depth look at the weekly Torah reading, led by congregants. No prior knowledge or study is necessary. At Havurah Shalom and in Zoom Room Bet. Email info@havurahshalom.org for Zoom link.

Join our Community Minyan in celebrating Shabbat. Led by community members and Rabbi Benjamin, this service includes davening, Torah reading, and discussion, as well as an opportunity to say Kaddish. We will meet virtually through Zoom Room Aleph while COVID-19 precautions are being observed. Log in to the website and then visit havurahshalom.org/zoom or call the office for join info (503-248-4662 ext. 2).